Do you need a leak, problems with the boiler or help with the heat pump? Good luck finding a plumber, because they can hardly be found. Fortunately, more and more young people are following a training to become a plumber. Because where there is a shortage, money can also be made. “I am assured of a job after my education.”
The number of plumbers in our province has risen by no less than 49 percent in ten years. Last year, 1597 plumbers were registered with the Chamber of Commerce (Chamber of Commerce). Yet there are still many more vacancies for plumbers open than that suitable staff can be found. In the third quarter of last year, the profession was therefore one of the professional groups where the largest ‘shortage’ is.
At the same time, more and more students have opted for an MBO course in mechanical installations in recent years. This allows you to become a plumber, among other things. Last year there were more than twenty percent more throughout the Netherlands than in 2020.
They also see that the profession is becoming increasingly popular at the King Willem I College in Veghel. Although the number of students is not nearly large enough to meet demand. “We can use much more there. What we have now is actually a drop on a glowing plate,” says Bas Visser, teacher of Installatietechniek.
According to Visser, the reason for the popularity is partly that there is now a good sandwich to be earned as a plumber. “As a plumber you work about forty to fifty hours a week. A self -employed person who has the right papers earns about five hundred to a thousand euros a day. You can also earn well in paid employment. For some, that is a motivation to become a plumber. Although we also like to work with their hands and find that the work is varied.”
The latter was also a reason for student Teun to follow the Installatietechniek course. “It’s a nice wide profession. You can do anything,” he says. “Plumbers will always be necessary. After my education I am assured of work, that also plays a role.”
“You can be beautiful with your hands and the work is varied,” Daan (20) agrees. In two years he will be finished with the training and he can work. “If the stories I hear, I will earn enough later. That is of course interesting. But I think it is a great profession.”
The 23-year-old Sven also likes to work with his hands. “I have two right hands, so I like to use it. My father has my own company and there they are eager for plumbers. The question is very big. So of course that deserves well if you have the right certification. Even if it is hard work.”
Technology Netherlands happy with development
Branch Association Technology Nederland says it is happy with the rise in the number of students who want to become a plumber. According to the trade association, plumbers are indispensable.
“These are all -round professionals with a broad expertise,” reports chairman Doekle Terpstra. “They not only ensure water and energy saving, but they also prevent legionella contents. And they contribute to the elderly people being able to live independently for longer, through adapted sanitary facilities.”
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